Magna Carta College Scholarship

The law firm of Whittel & Melton is donating a $1,215 college scholarship to commemorate the signing of the Magna Carta.

The iconic Magna Carta was signed in 1215 in England as a way to make peace between an unpopular King and a group of barons. The charter promised the protection of church rights, protection for the barons from illegal imprisonment, access to swift justice, and limitations on feudal payments to the Crown. Even though its content was watered down over the years, the Magna Carta remains a significant document centuries following its inception because it stands for the notion that in a civilized society, no man or woman–not even a King or Queen– is exempt from the rule of law.

The Magna Carta did not explicitly establish the right to a jury trial, but its clause that mentions “the lawful judgment of his peers” is often cited as an essential right as it relates to loss of liberty (like for example, arrest, prison or execution), and fundamental due process. It remains significant in our lives because it is the basis of the founding principles of our democracy and legal system and influenced the enlightenment of early American colonists during formation of the United States Constitution, which became the supreme law of the land in the new republic of the United States.

At Whittel & Melton, we stand shoulder to shoulder with our clients against corporate giants and powerful government agencies. For example, our injured clients, victims of car accidents, motorcycle and truck crashes are often pitted against billion dollar insurance companies who think they are above the law and force our clients to fight for damages that they are clearly entitled to under their policies. We fight for due process for clients accused in criminal court to stand trial against the government, state and law enforcement with their vast resources, holding them accountable to the U.S. Constitution that protects our civil liberties.

The Whittel & Melton Magna Carta Scholarship has a brief submission process. The applicants will be judged on their ability to answer in a clear and concise manner one of the questions below. The essay should be no more than seven (7) paragraphs and 750 words. Applicants shall apply via email MagnaCarta@theFLlawfirm.com. Qualified applicants will be currently enrolled in an accredited College or University. Further, the applicant must attend a college or university the following academic semester. Graduate students are welcome to apply.

Your email to MagnaCarta@theFLlawfirm.com needs to clearly state:

1. Your full name
2. Name of College or University
3. Mailing address
4. Phone number
5. Major or Subject Concentration
6. Dream Job when out of school

TOPICS:

• How has the Magna Carta shaped your daily life on campus?
• What is the Rule of Law and why is it important in our daily lives?
• How has a jury trial has made an impact on you or someone you know?
• Does a criminal justice system that revolves around plea-bargaining embrace our forefathers’ vision of a right to a jury trial by a group of his or her peers?
• The Magna Carta is credited with the first mention of “no taxation without representation.” How does this notion apply to contemporary society?